2mn Pakistanis face preventable blindness amid national crisis

Islamabad : Pakistan is facing a significant eye health crisis, with nearly two million people exposed to preventable blindness, 80 per cent of which is curable, said Major General (r) Rehmat Khan, President of Al-Shifa Trust, here Sunday.

Addressing the media at the National Press Club, he stated that last year, Al-Shifa Trust treated more than 1.8 million patients, including 100,000 surgeries. Approximately 83% of patients received treatment free of cost.

“Every day we carry out about 450-500 surgical procedures,” Rehmat said, adding that Al-Shifa Trust carries out about 1,000 corneal transplants every year, which is approximately 50% of the total corneal transplants in the country. He said the Trust is the only chain of eye hospitals that treats eye cancer patients at no cost.

Regarding future endeavours, the president of the Trust stated that a modern as well as the largest eye hospital in the country was being built in Lahore. An American architectural firm is designing the hospital, and the ground-breaking is scheduled to take place in September 2025.

What began as a modest initiative in 1985 has evolved into Pakistan’s most comprehensive humanitarian eye care network, transforming countless lives and restoring hope, he underlined. Rehmat noted that an estimated 12.64 million people, 61 per cent of whom are women, struggle with reading and close-up tasks. Limited access to simple reading glasses severely hinders education, work, and overall well-being for many.

He explained that refractive errors and diabetic retinopathy significantly contribute to vision loss. He also cited poor hygiene, polluted air, adverse environmental conditions, financial hardships, lack of awareness, insufficient facilities and entrenched cultural barriers as critical factors.

He stated that the Trust’s humanitarian mission extends beyond conventional care, encompassing accessible healthcare that transcends economic barriers. Its growth, from treating 25 to 5,000 patients daily over three decades, reflects unwavering commitment. Technological advancements have enhanced Al-Shifa’s capacity to serve underserved communities.

The Chakwal hospital expansion, for instance, dramatically increased daily patient capacity from 150 to 650 individuals, reflecting an adaptive approach to meeting growing demand.

He emphasized that while many patients cannot afford treatment, those with resources can support the mission. By combining advanced technology with compassionate care, Al-Shifa continues to transform lives, proving that even the most challenging crises can be effectively addressed with proper dedication and community support.

Rehmat stated that the Trust’s hospital in Haweli Lakha is nearing completion, while Gilgit-Baltistan Hospital is under construction, and a temporary arrangement is fully operational for treatment and surgeries.

Dr. Najam, General Manager of the Outreach Program, also spoke on the occasion. He shared the details of free eye camps established in far-flung areas of the country. He added that our vision to fight against blindness is beautifully augmented by an outreach program that provides eye care treatments, including surgeries, directly to the underprivileged community.